valkyries Posted February 8, 2013 Report Share Posted February 8, 2013 As a responsible and informed dog lover, you probably know that too much “people food†can make your dog ill or overweight, but there are some human foods that can be safely added to your dog’s meals in moderation to give a nutritional boost to Queenie’s diet and add a bit of variety to her food bowl. Just remember: any additions to your dog’s meals shouldn’t comprise more than 25 percent of her weekly caloric requirement. 1. Yogurt is a good source of available calcium and protein. When choosing yogurt, pick one that has live active bacteria and no sugars or artificial sweeteners. The active bacteria may act as probiotics. If your pooch is pudgy, make sure that you pick fat-free yogurt but not one that contains fat substitutes (e.g., Simplesse or Olestra). Frozen yogurt is a nice summer treat for dogs. 2. Flax seed (ground or oil) is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential fatty acids that are good for skin and coat. Whole flax seeds are best if ground right before feeding as this type of fat can go rancid quickly. Flax seed can also be added to your dog’s diet as a source of fibre. Flax oil is a more concentrated form of omega- 3 fatty acids without the fibre. Make sure that you store the oil or seeds in the fridge in an air tight dark container. 3. Salmon is a fatty fish which is also a good source of omega- 3 fatty acids. These fats support the immune system and can be beneficial for skin and coat health. There has also been some indication that they may benefit dogs with allergies. You can feed salmon or salmon oil. If feeding salmon, make sure it’s cooked before serving, as raw salmon can carry a parasite that can make your dog sick. 4. Pumpkin is a good source of fibre and beta carotene (a source of vitamin A). Dogs need fibre in their diet. The current trend is towards highly digestible diets that lower stool volume and this is not necessarily a good thing. Keeping the GI tract moving helps keep the cells lining the gut healthy. 5. Sweet potatoes are another source of dietary fibre and contain vitamin B6, vitamin C, beta carotene, and manganese. Sweet potatoes are great sliced and dehydrated as a chewy treat for your dog. There are so many dog treats on the market that we often overlook the simple, healthy, and reasonably priced treats available at our grocery store. 6. Green beans are a good source of plant fibre, vitamin K, vitamin C, and manganese. If your dog has a tendency to put on weight, then replacing some of her regular food with green beans is a great low calorie way to fill her up and help her maintain a healthy weight. Many dogs enjoy green beans frozen. 7. Eggs are a great source of very digestible protein, riboflavin, and selenium. For some dogs that are prone to digestive upset, eggs can give them a little protein boost. Adding eggs to your dog’s food is a healthy treat. Make sure to use cooked whole egg, as raw egg whites can cause biotin deficiency. If you do a lot of training with your dog, consider taking cooked eggs to your next class as training treats. 8. Brewer’s yeast is the yeast that’s left over from making alcohol. Dogs seem to really enjoy the tangy taste of brewer’s yeast. It’s full of B vitamins which are good for skin, coat, and carbohydrate metabolism. Make sure you’re using brewer’s yeast (available at health food stores), not baking yeast which will make your dog sick. Brewer’s yeast can spice up your dog’s appetite. Just sprinkle a little on the food of a picky eater and watch her dive into her food. 9. Apples are wonderful crunchy treats for your dog. Apples with the skin on are full of plant chemicals (phytonutrients) that are thought to be protective against some types of cancer in humans. They are a source of vitamins A and C and fibre. Apple seeds, however, contain cyanide so your dog should not be allowed to eat the core. Though the effects of a few apple seeds will likely not harm your dog, the deleterious effects can accumulate over time if allowed to eat apple seeds regularly. 10. Oatmeal is a good source of soluble fibre. This can be beneficial for some older dogs that may have trouble maintaining bowel regularity. Oatmeal is also an alternative source of grain for dogs that are allergic to wheat. It can be fed in conjunction with probiotics to enhance their function. Keep in mind oatmeal should always be fed cooked and plain with no sugar or flavouring. As always, check with your veterinarian before making any major changes to your dog’s diet, especially if they are on any medications. Upsetting the vitamin and mineral balances in your dog’s diet can have negative effects on your dog’s health and some medications interact badly with some nutrients. The aim of most dog owners is to give their dogs the best diet possible. Good nutrition coupled with a health care program may result in extending your dog’s life by as much as 15 percent. The suggestions above are not meant to replace your dog’s normal, balanced diet. Rather, they are ideas for alternative treats or for adding a little variety to your dog’s meals. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
valkyries Posted February 8, 2013 Author Report Share Posted February 8, 2013 11. Rice is good to feed when your dog has an upset tummy and needs a bland meal. There are a variety of different types of rice. Brown rice is a little higher in protein and a little lower in fat when compared to white rice. White or instant rice is an easily digestible carbohydrate which makes it a good source of energy when your dog has an upset tummy or if you are feeding an older dog. 12. Squash, like pumpkin, can be added to bulk up his stool and is a good source of betacarotene (provitamin A). Hint: remove the seeds and then slice and freeze the squash to make it a fun, crunchy snack for your dog. 13. Popcorn that has been air popped with no butter or salt is a great lowcalorie treat for your dog. Popcorn contains potassium as well as the bone-building minerals phosphorous, magnesium, and calcium. So snuggle up and share that popcorn with your furry friend next time you watch a movie. 14. Lean meat (chicken, beef, or pork) with no visible fat and no added sauces or seasonings can be a great training treat or can add a bit of good-quality extra protein to your dog’s diet. Lean meat is an excellent, balanced source of amino acids, the building blocks of muscle in your dog’s body. Meat is also a great source of B vitamins (Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Pantothenic acid, Pyridoxine, and Cobalamine). These vitamins are involved in energy metabolism in the body. 15. Liver is available freeze-dried in most pet stores and it is a great training treat. You can also buy it fresh in the grocery store to feed at home. Fresh liver can be cooked and then baked to make your own liver treats. Liver is an excellent source of B vitamins (Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Pantothenic acid, and Folic acid), Vitamin A, and Vitamin K. It is also a great source of iron. Warning: Too much liver may be toxic to dogs because of its high vitamin A content. Therefore, it is best to limit the amount of liver fed to your dog to not more than 1 g of fresh liver/Kg body weight per day. 16. Pineapple can be a special treat for your dog. Pineapple contains mostly sugar but it also contains calcium and potassium. Frozen pineapple can be a fun summer treat for your dog. 17. Cottage cheese is high in protein and calcium and it’s fairly bland, so it can be a good way to add some extra protein to your dog’s diet. Cottage cheese is a dairy product and some dogs don’t do well with dairy, so make sure you start with just a small amount. 18. Parsley has long been thought to improve doggie breath, so next time you are baking treats for your dog, try adding a few tablespoons of chopped parsley for added flavour and colour. Parsley can also be a good source of calcium, potassium, and beta-carotene. 19. Peanut butter is a healthy, high-protein treat for dogs. Try smearing some inside or on one of your dog’s toys, or let him lick out the container when it’s almost finished. 20. Peas can be added right to your dog’s food, frozen or thawed. Peas are a good source of the B vitamin Thiamin, phosphorous, and potassium. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elyse Posted February 8, 2013 Report Share Posted February 8, 2013 (I think you forgot raw meat on there. A few people I know in 'real life' think dogs can't have raw meat cause it'll give them worms. *facepalm*) Oh, and you might want to mention some dogs are lactose intolerant so they can't have yoghurt etc. Suka can't eat dairy or his farts smell...smell...ugh. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mazz Posted February 8, 2013 Report Share Posted February 8, 2013 Oh I wish I were a dog now. That list of food looks awesome. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
valkyries Posted February 8, 2013 Author Report Share Posted February 8, 2013 i forgot nothing there are loads of threads on feeding raw as for lacose intolerant thats for the indevedual to find out about their dog, you wont know unless you give it an find out. this was just a general info thread xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LittleLuka Posted February 8, 2013 Report Share Posted February 8, 2013 Thanks for this list! I don't have Luka on a raw diet so cooked food options are great to know! Just a quick question about eggs though, I was under the impression that raw eggs were safe to give but you mentioned biotin deficiency? i only want to give Luka what is safe for him but i have given him a raw egg a couple of times so i was just curious. Luka loves popcorn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
valkyries Posted February 8, 2013 Author Report Share Posted February 8, 2013 alot of people give raw but i only give cooked now after reading things like this, i guess it's a chose thing xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mollys Dad Posted February 8, 2013 Report Share Posted February 8, 2013 19. Peanut butter is a healthy, high-protein treat for dogs. Try smearing some inside or on one of your dog’s toys, or let him lick out the container when it’s almost finished. But you forgot to mention pizza! On a more sensible note, we have a great recipe for peanut butter cookies which is doggy safe (no flour) and humans love it as well, if anyone is interested? Don't let them get too vigorous licking the jar if it is glass! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
valkyries Posted February 8, 2013 Author Report Share Posted February 8, 2013 start a recipe thread, i'd be interested oh an don't you start with the 'you forgot' lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mollys Dad Posted February 8, 2013 Report Share Posted February 8, 2013 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Austinville Posted February 9, 2013 Report Share Posted February 9, 2013 It's good to remember that peanut butter should be the all-natural variety (no sugar added). This is the type that when you see it on the shelf you can see a layer of oil at the top. A quick stir and it's good to go. This type of peanut butter needs to be kept in the refrigerator, once opened. Also, the only ingredient is peanuts. The huskies don't need the added sugars of regular peanut butter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stormy Posted February 11, 2013 Report Share Posted February 11, 2013 Great thread Linda Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jay Posted February 13, 2013 Report Share Posted February 13, 2013 Also I give my dogs baby carrots. They LOVE em! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Devildust76 Posted February 13, 2013 Report Share Posted February 13, 2013 Great suggestions. Thanks Linda Never thought of freezing squash or pineapple before. Guess who's pooch is going to be a guinea pig later??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stormy Posted February 14, 2013 Report Share Posted February 14, 2013 Great suggestions. Thanks Linda Never thought of freezing squash or pineapple before. Guess who's pooch is going to be a guinea pig later??? LOL i read this as guess whos pooch is going to be getting a guinea pig later! I was so shocked i re read it and realised i read it wrong Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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